Telling Alberta’s story

  • Posted: December 18, 2025

News release

December 18, 2025 Media inquiries

The Royal Alberta Museum’s new, temporary exhibition offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Alberta’s history is shared with the world.

With its newest exhibition, Stories of Us: Building Alberta’s Collection, visitors to the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) are invited to discover the care, expertise and intention behind a growing provincial heritage collection. This exhibition gives guests a peek into the mind of museum curators, revealing how and why the museum collects the artifacts it displays.

Telling the story of Alberta and its people is no small feat. After nearly 60 years in operation, the RAM has built a collection that boasts more than five million objects that reflect the province’s rich and unique heritage.

While much of the collection process has traditionally remained unseen, visitors now have the chance to learn about the choices curators make to depict Alberta’s history within the museum’s walls.

“The Royal Alberta Museum plays a vital role in protecting Alberta’s history and strengthening our shared provincial identity. Through this exhibition, Albertans will get a closer look at how expert curators ensure our stories are preserved with integrity and passed on for generations to come.”

Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

Running until Feb.7, 2027, this exhibition highlights the evolving nature of collecting and the responsibility museums hold in representing communities, cultures and experiences across Alberta. This work is brought to life with more than 100 exceptional pieces, including the Klondike Kate outfit worn during Klondike Days in 1970, a mammoth scapula discovered by a member of the public and a historic phone booth from Obadiah Place in Amber Valley.

“Museums house millions of stories just waiting to be told. Our temporary exhibition, Stories of Us: Building Alberta’s Collection, will give RAM visitors a peek into the important work we do: collecting, protecting and bringing the stories that represent Alberta to life.”

Meaghan Patterson, executive director, Royal Alberta Museum

This winter, Alberta’s continued participation in the Canada Strong Pass program makes it easier than ever for Albertans to explore provincial history. General admission to provincial museums and historic sites will be free for children and teens aged 17 and under, and half-price for young adults aged 18-24.

Visitors can take advantage of this offer to experience exciting exhibitions like, Stories of Us: Building Alberta’s Collection, at reduced rates between Dec.12 and Jan. 15, 2026. More details can be found at ExploreAlbertaHistory.com.

Quick facts

  • Stories of Us: Building Alberta’s Collection opens Dec. 18, 2025, and runs until Feb. 7, 2027.
  • The new exhibition will be housed in the museum’s Natural History Hall South Gallery.
  • The Royal Alberta Museum opened on Dec. 6, 1967.
  • There are more than five million items in the Royal Alberta Museum’s collection.
  • Alberta’s government is participating in the Canada Strong Pass program, providing free or discounted general admission to provincial museums and historic sites from Dec. 12 to Jan. 15.
    • Regular admission rates vary by site.
    • Free admission for children and teens 17 and under.
    • Young adults aged 18-24 will receive half off admission.

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